Arwen vs. Galadriel

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by cellurdur

I am not sure this is the case. I think you underestimate the just how highly Luthien is held by the elves. She is the greatest, most powerful, most beautiful and noblest of all the elves. Just, because Elrond did not push a claim of kingship does not mean that they would not have accepted it. With their numbers dwindling and the desire to be under the protection of the Crown of Gondor there is no reason why the realms would not accept Arwen as their queen.

Firstly, once again, Luthien is not Arwen. No one praises Maedhros for Feanor's Silmarils. Why should anyone praise Arwen for Luthien's achievements? Also, I do not believe there is such a desire to get under the protection of the Crown of Gondor. Firstly, if anything, they now need less protection because Sauron's forces are destroyed; while there are still scattered orcs and the likes of them here and there, there is no organized war against them. Moreover, to my memory, the Elves have never in history been under the rule of Men, and I do not see a reason for them to crave it now. Legolas' Ithilien colony is an interesting case, but even here the motives are similar to Gimli's settlement of the Glittering Caves - it's not about whose rule/protection you are under, it's about the beauty of the place.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

The more likely and logical answer I have already addressed. Arwen being the heir of Celeborn/Galadriel, the heir of Elrond and already a great Queen, would be able to grant protection to the elvish realms. In return they would recognise her sovereignty. Similar to the relation that Aragorn had with the King of Dale.

Firstly, Arwen would not be able to grant anything to anyone. She would be able to ask Aragorn to grant protection and whatnot.

But also, what you describe is not similar to Aragorn and the King of Dale. Aragorn didn't claim anything to do with Dale other than to be friends, and all the while I'm sure he would have sent an army there should the need arise. Yes, the two Kings recognize each other's position, but neither claims that he has power over the other because of the help he is granting. That would sound more of a Sauronian argument for the Haradrim/Easterlings - I'll give you [xyz] and you recognize me as your ruler!

Originally Posted by cellurdur

I never argued that Arwen was greater than Galadriel, but that she was great in her own right and accomplished many great things. People too often dismiss the role she played.

Ah, seems like we're finally agreeing on something! I am not trying to prove that Arwen is a brainless duck. I think too that she has a power of her own. But I think that she is still lesser than Galadriel.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Well you would be wrong, because this was impossible according to Tolkien. That apart Sauron was a greater power than Galadriel and even if she had the One Ring she would be unable to overcome him.

No one not even the Valar could read the mind of another 'equal being'. .....One can deduce much of their thought, from general comparisons leading to conclusions concerning the nature and tendencies of mind and thought..

Galadriel had a special gift of being able to read people from their previous actions and tendencies. She could not invade Sauron's mind in the way you think. As the article says this is impossible for even the greatest of the Valar to do to the weakest of the Hobbits. Let alone Galadriel trying to do it to a greater power than hers.

I have no clue where you quote from, but in FOTR Galadriel clearly says: "I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind, or all of his mind that concerns the Elves." If this does not say that Galadriel knows Sauron's intentions and at least partially reads his thoughts, then the books aree written backwards. She then adds "And he gropes ever to see me and my thought. But still the door is closed!" There is clearly some mental battle going on here between Galadriel and Sauron, and so far Sauron is NOT winning.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

As for Thranduil, he was Sindar by origin and under Thingol. Why wouldn't he accept the heir of Thingol if she proved herself a capable leader? He had a far closer relationship with men than most other elves at the time.

I'm assuming you mean that Thranduil would accept Arwen if she proved herself capable. There are two problems with this argument. First and foremost, Arwen never proves herself a capable leader. She only rules second-hand from father and husband. Secondly, Thingol might acknowledge her as a great Elf, as the Queen of Gondor, but not as his own Queen. Why would he? Even if she's great and wonderful and all, there's no reason for him to all of a sudden give her his authority over his people. Moreover, as you yourself said, Elves do not just name a succesor, they choose one. The Elves of Mirkwood had little to nothing to do with Arwen for the past ever. So why would they just wake up one day and decide to follow her?

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Many would be all of Lindon and Eregion since she was the only heir of the Noldor left. Have you actually seen the size of the Lindon etc? Even if it was sparsely populated it was land she had rights to.

Only as much, if not less, as Aragorn had rights to Arnor when he was the Chieftain of the Dunedain. Oh, it was certainly in his bloodline, but it was like a promise without a written contract. It's empty, other than of history/hope/etc. He has a certain power inherited by the same bloodline, but that is unrelated to his titles.

PS: I am typing as I'm reading along, and I just read that Legate says almost the exact same thing in almost the same words!

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Greatest outright does not mean most powerful. Maeglin is the second greatest Elf in Gondolin, but Ecthelion and Glorfindel are mightier.

But then again - powerful does not only have to refer to political power. And neither does greatness.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

With no one else left on Middle Earth, Arwen could claim the lands through both Finarfin and Fingolfin.

She could, but a) she wouldn't because Elves don't do things that way, they don't just claim lands that they have a vague and distant claim to, especially if it is not the people that chooses them; b) she might as well claim the Helcaraxe too with as much success; c) certainly there were people left in ME other than her, Thranduil now being the most prominent.

I would argue my points further, but I would just be repeating what has been said multiple times by other posters.

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

Firstly, once again, Luthien is not Arwen. No one praises Maedhros for Feanor's Silmarils. Why should anyone praise Arwen for Luthien's achievements? Also, I do not believe there is such a desire to get under the protection of the Crown of Gondor. Firstly, if anything, they now need less protection because Sauron's forces are destroyed; while there are still scattered orcs and the likes of them here and there, there is no organized war against them. Moreover, to my memory, the Elves have never in history been under the rule of Men, and I do not see a reason for them to crave it now. Legolas' Ithilien colony is an interesting case, but even here the motives are similar to Gimli's settlement of the Glittering Caves - it's not about whose rule/protection you are under, it's about the beauty of the place.

Arwen is not Luthien, but she reminds the elves of her great ancestress. It's not that they are praising Arwen for Luthien's deeds, but in honour of Luthien acknowledging Arwen's right to rule.

You may not believe there was a desire to get under the protection of the crown, but there clearly was. Fangorn, Dale, The Lonely Mountain, the Shire and the Druadon forest are several such areas, which were under Aragorn's protection Why wouldn't the elves?

You are wrong about there being no organised war.

Aragorn was forced to fight in many wars.

For though Sauron had passed, the hatreds and the evil he bred had not died, and the King of the West had many enemies to subdue before the White Tree could grow in peace. And where the King Elessar went with war King Eomer went with him; and beyond the sea of Rhun and on the far fields of the South...

There was plainly lots of fighting left to do and near often close to Mirkwood.

Again there is no answer to Tolkien's words that Aragorn soon had an empire.

There is nothing said about his title as King of the West.

You have yet to give a valid reason why the elves alone would not be under his protection when their numbers were dwindling and there were still many foes to subdue?

Why is Arwen Queen of Elves then?

That apart there have been many men that have ruled over elves. Tuor commanded the exiles of Gondolin, whilst Dior was accepted the Half-elven king of Doriath.

Firstly, Arwen would not be able to grant anything to anyone. She would be able to ask Aragorn to grant protection and whatnot.

Of course she would she was the Queen of Gondor and other realms.

But also, what you describe is not similar to Aragorn and the King of Dale. Aragorn didn't claim anything to do with Dale other than to be friends, and all the while I'm sure he would have sent an army there should the need arise. Yes, the two Kings recognize each other's position, but neither claims that he has power over the other because of the help he is granting. That would sound more of a Sauronian argument for the Haradrim/Easterlings - I'll give you [xyz] and you recognize me as your ruler!

No the King of Dale himself recognises Aragorn's overlordship and willingly submits to his empire. Why would he not want to be part of Aragorn's empire? Aragorn's empire would be similar to the Roman empire of latter days. Most free people of the West, who were not friends of Sauron would want to be part of it.

Aragorn is King of the West. Arwen is Queen of Elves and Men.

Bard and Thorin are both said to be under the crown.

Ah, seems like we're finally agreeing on something! I am not trying to prove that Arwen is a brainless duck. I think too that she has a power of her own. But I think that she is still lesser than Galadriel.

I have never argued that Arwen was greater than Galadriel. I pointed out she was more beautiful and less flawed. I never argued she was greater or more powerful. I simply defended Arwen and pointed out that she was powerful and great in her own right.

I have no clue where you quote from, but in FOTR Galadriel clearly says: "I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind, or all of his mind that concerns the Elves." If this does not say that Galadriel knows Sauron's intentions and at least partially reads his thoughts, then the books aree written backwards. She then adds "And he gropes ever to see me and my thought. But still the door is closed!" There is clearly some mental battle going on here between Galadriel and Sauron, and so far Sauron is NOT winning.

Yes, but not in the way you think. Sauron was trying to daunt and control Galadriel, but reading another persons mind was something impossible. The quotes come from Morgoth's ring. It just could not be done even by the Valar.

If you flick through the books you will see how Faramir and Denethor can read the hearts of men too.

About Faramir

He (Faramir) read the hearts of men as shrewd as his father.

I'm assuming you mean that Thranduil would accept Arwen if she proved herself capable. There are two problems with this argument. First and foremost, Arwen never proves herself a capable leader. She only rules second-hand from father and husband. Secondly, Thingol might acknowledge her as a great Elf, as the Queen of Gondor, but not as his own Queen. Why would he? Even if she's great and wonderful and all, there's no reason for him to all of a sudden give her his authority over his people. Moreover, as you yourself said, Elves do not just name a succesor, they choose one. The Elves of Mirkwood had little to nothing to do with Arwen for the past ever. So why would they just wake up one day and decide to follow her?

You mean like Melian played no role in ruling Doriath? Arwen was very great and queenly.

Elrond himself said

She (Arwen) is too far above you.

Gilraen had previously said this.

Your aim is high even for the descendant of many kings. For this lady is the noblest and fairest than now walks the earth.


Why is it strange that such a woman would be Queen of the remaining elves? Especially as we are told that fact?

Only as much, if not less, as Aragorn had rights to Arnor when he was the Chieftain of the Dunedain. Oh, it was certainly in his bloodline, but it was like a promise without a written contract. It's empty, other than of history/hope/etc. He has a certain power inherited by the same bloodline, but that is unrelated to his titles.

PS: I am typing as I'm reading along, and I just read that Legate says almost the exact same thing in almost the same words!

The Dunedaid did not have the money, the power or the opportunity to restore their kingdom. When Sauron was defeated and they had peace they were once again able to restore their previous lands. If the lands of Lindon and Eregion were being abandoned by the elves, who had rights to them? They come down to Aragorn and Arwen and this is why he was King of the West and not just Arnor and Gondor or even the Reunited Kingdom.

But then again - powerful does not only have to refer to political power. And neither does greatness.

I never said it did, but just that greatness did not mean power. Only when Tolkien used the word mighty did he mean power.

She could, but a) she wouldn't because Elves don't do things that way, they don't just claim lands that they have a vague and distant claim to, especially if it is not the people that chooses them; b) she might as well claim the Helcaraxe too with as much success; c) certainly there were people left in ME other than her, Thranduil now being the most prominent.

Arwen and even Aragorn do not just have a vague claim to these lands. By right they have inherited these lands through many branches of the family and being great and noble rulers, the people would want them as rulers.

It is nonsense to use the Helcaraxe as an example since it was never an Elvish Kingdom.

What do you think happened when Elendil and his sons arrived in ME? What did the Prince of Dol Amroth do? Seeing a great and fair ruler like Elendil he humbly accepted him as his overlord. The Numenoreans of Gondor and Arnor accepted that Elendil as the heir of Elros had a right to the kingship and submitted to his power.

It would seem a similar thing happened when Arwen was appointed Queen as with Elendil's return. Or do you think it is strange that the Faithful in ME readily accepted Elendil as their king and wanted to be part of his empire?

[elbenprincess]

It's Elrond 's magic which defeats the 9 all gathered together.

It is Erond, who holds out against Sauron in Imladris.

When it comes to innate power all the quotes suggest that Elrond has the most power out of the non Maiar

It´s Galadriel who holds Saurons army out of Lorien and the Witch King feared her, sauron percived at once that she would be his chief obstacle and there is no proof that Elrond was the mightiest elf out of the non Maia, (more powerful even than Fingolfin and Feanor, or just third age?)that is very far fetched, as a equal of Feanor and the greatest of the elves of Valinor with Feanor and Galadriel being more older, having seen the the light of the trees and being tutored by Melian would make her innate more powerfl. And I think greatest to a degree means the most powerfl too, Sauron was Morgoths greatest servant and we know he was the most powerful.

Galadriels seems to have more effect in Lorien than Elrond in Rivendel, time flew differently

Yes, he defeates all 9 together, with the flood but IMHO, if Galadriel is able to bring down walls and send a mist (so she has power over elements too) she would be able to do the same.

IMHO you read this "especially Elrond" the wrong way, and even if you read it right, it was probably written before Galadriels might emerged in Tolkiens mind.

In every sense when he wants to talk about sheer innate power or superior ability he uses mightiest.

Elrond is never called the mightiest, so assuming that is only your opinion. Galadriel however is said to be the mightiest of the elves in the third age and because Elrond chose to be conted among the Eldar he is included in that quote.

Elrond has the mightiest elven ring, Elrond is the most likely to be able to overthrow Sauron outside the Istari.

Only if you read the passage like you do and true, he holds the mightiest of the three, but he wasn´t even the original bearer and it was coincidence that he got the ring, would Gil Galad haved survived, Elrond would´t have a ring.

[elbenprincess]

It seems to me you main argument is that he is decended from Melian (so would Elwing and Dior more powerful than Galadriel too? I seriously doubt that) and teh passage, which meaning is not very clear and debatable. But he doesn´t show some deeds so one could assume that he has more power, Galadriel makes the more magical impression in Lotr. Galadriels home is next to the home of the enemy, while Elrond is hidden in a valley and not easy to find, nothing indicates that he uses the same magic Galadriel does to defend his home. He is shown to have control over the river, he is the best in healing, very wise and fought in a war, but sorry I see no evidence that supports your claim. Like I said, Galadriel did simarlar deeds with her destroying the walls of Dol Goldr and sending the mist, furthermore she gave the fellowship lembas, which was a magical deed to do and the phial, and from he phial I got the impression that this is not something everyone could do. Not to forget the mallon seed, there was some power in the dust and seed so that the shire was beautiful again.

Galadriel was able to see that Gandalf was alive, while for Elrond everything lies under a shadow, so she send Gwaihir to look for Gandalf, that shows that she even had some athority over the eagles, strange for someone being banned.

She wanted Gandalf to be the head of the council which she summoned, not Elrond, but it seems that she was the one who wanted that. Already at that early point she sensed that Saruman would betray them and so mistrusted him from the beginning.

I don´t think Elrond or Cirdan (even if he have him his ring) would have voted for Gandalf, because that would go against the wishes of the Valar, but Galadriel, like always did not care, and was proven right.

For me it is really impressive that she was able to see the potential evil in him, which the Valar couldn´t, save Varda, she seemingly sensed the same.

Not to forget the mirror of Galadriel. She was able to see the past, the presend and the future, that is a powerful tool. All that claims that she is inherntly more powerful than Elrond.

Actually there is no need in proving that, you just have to look what Tolkien wrote of her in his later days, like for example the equal of Feanor, greatest of the Eldar of Valinor and mightiest and greatest of the Eldar in the third age quote and Elrond, even if half-elven, is included in that, because he made the decission to belong to the elves.

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

It seems to me you main argument is that he is decended from Melian (so would Elwing and Dior more powerful than Galadriel too? I seriously doubt that) and teh passage, which meaning is not very clear and debatable. But he doesn´t show some deeds so one could assume that he has more power, Galadriel makes the more magical impression in Lotr. Galadriels home is next to the home of the enemy, while Elrond is hidden in a valley and not easy to find, nothing indicates that he uses the same magic Galadriel does to defend his home. He is shown to have control over the river, he is the best in healing, very wise and fought in a war, but sorry I see no evidence that supports your claim. Like I said, Galadriel did simarlar deeds with her destroying the walls of Dol Goldr and sending the mist, furthermore she gave the fellowship lembas, which was a magical deed to do and the phial, and from he phial I got the impression that this is not something everyone could do. Not to forget the mallon seed, there was some power in the dust and seed so that the shire was beautiful again.

The passage is very clear and even more so if you take into account the context of character. Elwing and Dior were powerful, but we really do not know much about them. Elwing was able to learn to fly and Dior dies very early before they can mature and grow in power. Dior at the least was a great warrior and one of the best elvish fighters.

Elrond has an enchantment around Rivendell making it difficult to find, is the greatest healer, has the second greatest foresight, the most lore and himself was a great warrior.

Galadriel was able to see that Gandalf was alive, while for Elrond everything lies under a shadow, so she send Gwaihir to look for Gandalf, that shows that she even had some athority over the eagles, strange for someone being banned.

You are just making things up. She had no authority over the eagles. No one did.

She wanted Gandalf to be the head of the council which she summoned, not Elrond, but it seems that she was the one who wanted that. Already at that early point she sensed that Saruman would betray them and so mistrusted him from the beginning.

I don´t think Elrond or Cirdan (even if he have him his ring) would have voted for Gandalf, because that would go against the wishes of the Valar, but Galadriel, like always did not care, and was proven right.

For me it is really impressive that she was able to see the potential evil in him, which the Valar couldn´t, save Varda, she seemingly sensed the same.

Going against the Valar's wishes is not a good thing. Elrond was the one, who constantly argued against Saruman's council.

He said he felt the ring would be found.
He urged them to attack Dol Guldur earlier.

Elrond, however, respected the hierarchy the Valar had put in place as did Gandalf.

Not to forget the mirror of Galadriel. She was able to see the past, the presend and the future, that is a powerful tool. All that claims that she is inherntly more powerful than Elrond.

Nope Elrond had greater knowledge about the lore of the past and greater foresight of the future.
[QUOTE
Actually there is no need in proving that, you just have to look what Tolkien wrote of her in his later days, like for example the equal of Feanor, greatest of the Eldar of Valinor and mightiest and greatest of the Eldar in the third age quote and Elrond, even if half-elven, is included in that, because he made the decission to belong to the elves.[/QUOTE]
We have been over this and will not get into it again. I have shown and given countless quotes showing Elrond was not one of the Eldar, but one of the Half-elven.

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

It´s Galadriel who holds Saurons army out of Lorien and the Witch King feared her, sauron percived at once that she would be his chief obstacle and there is no proof that Elrond was the mightiest elf out of the non Maia, (more powerful even than Fingolfin and Feanor, or just third age?)that is very far fetched, as a equal of Feanor and the greatest of the elves of Valinor with Feanor and Galadriel being more older, having seen the the light of the trees and being tutored by Melian would make her innate more powerfl. And I think greatest to a degree means the most powerfl too, Sauron was Morgoths greatest servant and we know he was the most powerful.

Galadriels seems to have more effect in Lorien than Elrond in Rivendel, time flew differently

The same with Rivendell, but Elrond held off the armies of Sauron.

Greatest does not mean powerful and I have provided evidence for this too. Glaurung was called the greatest of the dragons, but Ancalagon was the most powerful and the mightiest.

Yes, he defeates all 9 together, with the flood but IMHO, if Galadriel is able to bring down walls and send a mist (so she has power over elements too) she would be able to do the same.

IMHO you read this "especially Elrond" the wrong way, and even if you read it right, it was probably written before Galadriels might emerged in Tolkiens mind.

Elrond remained a great power through out Tolkien's legendarium. You cannot make an argument on things Tolkien may have done. We have the myths as they are laid out.

Elrond is never called the mightiest, so assuming that is only your opinion. Galadriel however is said to be the mightiest of the elves in the third age and because Elrond chose to be conted among the Eldar he is included in that quote.

Again Elrond was never an Elf. We have a direct comparison in their innate power in wielding the ring and Sauron is said to be more powerful.

Only if you read the passage like you do and true, he holds the mightiest of the three, but he wasn´t even the original bearer and it was coincidence that he got the ring, would Gil Galad haved survived, Elrond would´t have a ring.

Gil-galad gave Elrond the ring long before he died. So yes he would still have received the mightiest of the rings.

[elbenprincess]

Nope Elrond had greater knowledge about the lore of the past and greater foresight of the future.

What, Elrond has greater knowlege about the past than Galadriel who actually experianced that??!! And who was a match for the loremaster in Valinor, so that would include Rumil

An Elven loremaster, the inventor of written letters. His invention was later bettered by Fëanor, but Rúmil remains famous as the originator of writing.

And could look more into the future like Galadriel, who is said to be able to look in the future via her mirror? Forsight is kinda different than looking into the future.

I have shown and given countless quotes showing Elrond was not one of the Eldar, but one of the Half-elven.

He chose to be counted among the Eldar and is included if Tolkien talks about elves. Even Arwen was acounted as Eldar, i.e. third marriege between the Eldar and Edain. He had to chose for one and all, beacuse there should be no in-between race, that however doesn´t change what he is genetically.Where´s the problem? He belongs to the elves, Arwen belongs to men, Elros belogs to men, Tuor belongs to the elves, more be precise to the Noldor.

Really, I don´t understand! Galadriel + Feanor = equal (according to Tolkien) and greatest of the Noldor (whatever greatness means) So how can Elrond be more powerful than Galadriel if Galadriel was equal in might to Feanor.

Going against the Valar's wishes is not a good thing. Elrond was the one, who constantly argued against Saruman's council. Where and when?

Ah OK, even if Galadriel know for sure that she was doing the right thing, because Saruman was not trustworthy, she shouldn´t do it because it´s against the valar wishes. If that is true, why had she got a brain?

It´s hopeless.

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

What, Elrond has greater knowlege about the past than Galadriel who actually experianced that??!! And who was a match for the loremaster in Valinor, so that would include Rumil
And could look more into the future like Galadriel, who is said to be able to look in the future via her mirror? Forsight is kinda different than looking into the future.

Yep both are true. Elrond was the greatest lore master and he alone knew the full account of many of the stories. Galadriel passed into the east very early in Beleriand. Elrond fought in the Last Alliance, fought alongside Numenor and was there when Sauron was defeated.

Foresight includes knowledge of the future. The only person who had greater knowledge of the future than Elrond was Cirdan. I have read up on this and it was due to a special gift he received from the Valar, because of his great sacrifice for others. Cirdan could see the future about ever aspect of Middle Earth and he alone surpassed Elrond.

He chose to be counted among the Eldar and is included if Tolkien talks about elves. Even Arwen was acounted as Eldar, i.e. third marriege between the Eldar and Edain. He had to chose for one and all, beacuse there should be no in-between race, that however doesn´t change what he is genetically.Where´s the problem? He belongs to the elves, Arwen belongs to men, Elros belogs to men, Tuor belongs to the elves, more be precise to the Noldor.

Yet there is an inbetween race the Half-Elven. The sons of Elrond are not included among the Elves.

Elrond is never called an elf lord.

Aragorn says Elrond is the oldest of his race.

Tolkien took great pains to never mention Elrond as an elf. If you really want then I will provide several quotes showing you Elrond was never an Elf.

Really, I don´t understand! Galadriel + Feanor = equal (according to Tolkien) and greatest of the Noldor (whatever greatness means) So how can Elrond be more powerful than Galadriel if Galadriel was equal in might to Feanor.

1. Elrond was not of the Noldor.
2. Feanor and Galadriel are not equal in power. Feanor is the mightiest of the Noldor. Galadriel is only referred to as mighty among the Noldor.


We have a direct comparison between the two and Elrond is shown to be stronger. You cannot refute this direct comparison.

Ah OK, even if Galadriel know for sure that she was doing the right thing, because Saruman was not trustworthy, she shouldn´t do it because it´s against the valar wishes. If that is true, why had she got a brain?

It´s hopeless.

Usurping power is wrong, when an authoritative figure has not yet erred. To disagree with his council is fine and it is actually Elrond, who is the one constantly rejecting and arguing against Saruman. That apart Saruman was once great and wise. He was appointed as head of the order by the Valar and the wisest of the Maiar, Gandalf accepted this.

[elbenprincess]

2. Feanor and Galadriel are not equal in power. Feanor is the mightiest of the Noldor. Galadriel is only referred to as mighty among the Noldor.

How do you know that, Tolkien didn´t write what they are equal in, just that they are equal with differnet talents. But in all other aspects, intelligence, innate power for example they are equal.She is not only refered as great among the Noldor but greatest of all the elves of Valinor with Feanor.

He was appointed as head of the order by the Valar and the wisest of the Maiar, Gandalf accepted this.
Today 09:29 AM

Saruman was not the wisest, Olorin was /is.

Yet there is an inbetween race the Half-Elven.

I remember reading somewhere that Tolkien didn´t want there to be a in-between race, that´s the reason they had to decide, there can only be elves and men (if we leave out hobbits and dwarfs). Alas I can´t remember where.

Yep both are true. Elrond was the greatest lore master and he alone knew the full account of many of the stories.

Can you prove it? And only because Galadriel went early out of Beleriand doesn´t mean that she knows nothing about her own history or that of men.

Elrond was not of the Noldor

Of course he is not, but he can not match Feanor and if Galadriel is short behind Feanor, or even his equal then logic says us that Elrond is inferior to Galadriel. Method of elimination.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by cellurdur

You may not believe there was a desire to get under the protection of the crown, but there clearly was. Fangorn, Dale, The Lonely Mountain, the Shire and the Druadon forest are several such areas, which were under Aragorn's protection Why wouldn't the elves?

Because none of these paces bent the metaphorical knee and begged Aragorn to take them under his wing. Because Aragorn protected whoever needed protection without requiring that they ask it of him, or that they trade their idependence for it. Because the Elves can and did take help and protection from Men, and would take it again, but not at the price of colonizing them.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

You have yet to give a valid reason why the elves alone would not be under his protection when their numbers were dwindling and there were still many foes to subdue?

They would not not be under his protection. They would not be under his protection in return for sovereignty. You have to give a reason why they would all of a sudden, after 3 Ages of forming their relationships, decide that they want to go under Men's rule. Protection is not a reason; Aragorn offered and gave aid to whoever needed it without requiring that they become his subjects. A mutual understanding does not ammount to sovereignty.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Why is Arwen Queen of Elves then?

She couldn't be in any realistic way. Legate does a great job describing it.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

That apart there have been many men that have ruled over elves. Tuor commanded the exiles of Gondolin, whilst Dior was accepted the Half-elven king of Doriath.

Tuor lead the exiles of Gondolin, Turin gave Beleg some orders, and there are possibly a few others. As it happens, neither is King, neither demands of the Elves to swear fealty or to formally become his subjects. It all depends on the Elves' free will. As it happens, I don't see the Elves all rushing to Gondor. If Aragorn would have asked them to do something, I'm sure they would have helped him. But he cannot command them. He is not their King in any formal sense.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

No the King of Dale himself recognises Aragorn's overlordship and willingly submits to his empire. Why would he not want to be part of Aragorn's empire? Aragorn's empire would be similar to the Roman empire of latter days. Most free people of the West, who were not friends of Sauron would want to be part of it.

At least because people too have their personal pride. Because you don't go to the winner and say can I join you. The people of the West all had a mutual relationship with Aragorn that if one needs help the other gives it. Is that what you consider to be overlordship? In that case, go ahead.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Yes, but not in the way you think. Sauron was trying to daunt and control Galadriel, but reading another persons mind was something impossible. The quotes come from Morgoth's ring. It just could not be done even by the Valar.

If you flick through the books you will see how Faramir and Denethor can read the hearts of men too.

Many men can read others' hearts. So could Galadriel. But the cannonical text says that Galadriel knew Sauron's mind. Can you argue that Galadriel was then lying about it?

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Elrond himself said

She (Arwen) is too far above you.

Gilraen had previously said this.

Your aim is high even for the descendant of many kings. For this lady is the noblest and fairest than now walks the earth.


Why is it strange that such a woman would be Queen of the remaining elves? Especially as we are told that fact?

For all that she is great and fair and etc, what has she done for the Elves that they elect her their Queen?

Originally Posted by cellurdur

I never said it did, but just that greatness did not mean power. Only when Tolkien used the word mighty did he mean power.

This is a hard thing to agrue, because what do you mean by power? To me, power is both greatness and might, both innate and political and physical and whatever other connotation you could find.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Arwen and even Aragorn do not just have a vague claim to these lands. By right they have inherited these lands through many branches of the family and being great and noble rulers, the people would want them as rulers.

Would they? Would they really want someone else ruling over them, no matter how mighty/great/powerful? After Ages of controling themselves? Put yourself in your situation. Imagine your country's ruler would disappear, and a neighbouring country would say that it's taking you under it's protection and control. Would you praise it for that?

Originally Posted by elbenprincess

Galadriel was able to see that Gandalf was alive, while for Elrond everything lies under a shadow, so she send Gwaihir to look for Gandalf, that shows that she even had some athority over the eagles, strange for someone being banned.

I generally agree with what you're saying, but not with this. I think she only "sent" Gwaihir because he allowed her to send him. It's not an authority, it's Gwaihir's helpfulness.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Even at the end of the Third Age, Mirkwood alone had thousands of elves. As I said before a conservative estimate would be around 5,000.

Yes, Mirkwood alone, which is of the Avari and none of Arwen's inheritance anyways.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Not of all of them, there would be a few Sindar and Nandor amongst them.

Sindar and Nandor that accepted Thranduil as their King, not Arwen as their Queen.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

There was enough power in Lindon to withstand Sauron for a while, even at the end of the third age. There was probably a few thousand elves still living there.

Did Sauron now magically fly over the entire Western part of ME to get to Lindon? It was not directly attacked in any way at the end of the TA.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Greatest does not mean powerful and I have provided evidence for this too. Glaurung was called the greatest of the dragons, but Ancalagon was the most powerful and the mightiest.

Well, actually, in this case I would say that Glaurung is both greatest in terms of deeds and innate power, and Ancalagon mostly in terms of physical strength.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Yep both are true. Elrond was the greatest lore master and he alone knew the full account of many of the stories. Galadriel passed into the east very early in Beleriand. Elrond fought in the Last Alliance, fought alongside Numenor and was there when Sauron was defeated.

Sure, and Elrond wasn't even born when Galadriel "passed into the East". Your point?

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Foresight includes knowledge of the future. The only person who had greater knowledge of the future than Elrond was Cirdan. I have read up on this and it was due to a special gift he received from the Valar, because of his great sacrifice for others. Cirdan could see the future about ever aspect of Middle Earth and he alone surpassed Elrond.

Foresight is not the same as knowledge of the future. Foresight more of a foreboding (but could also be in a positive sense), and knowledge is for sure. Galadriel had both the foresight and the knowledge.

You completely disregard Galadriel's talents. No one is saying that Elrond and Cirdan don't have it, just that having it doesn't outmaster Galadriel - who happens to have it too.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Yet there is an inbetween race the Half-Elven. The sons of Elrond are not included among the Elves.

Not for long. Every half-elf has to make a choice. Mortal or Elf. You cannot live as a peredhil forever.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Elrond is never called an elf lord.

And? His daughter is named one of the Eldar.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Aragorn says Elrond is the oldest of his race.

Seeing as he's his uncle a bagillion times removed I wouldn't doubt it. Aragorn was not 100% man either, though he was enough Man to be mortal and not half-elf.

Plus, if you take this as an argument that Elrond is never incuded in the Eldar, you are arguing that either Aragorn is half-elven or that Elrond is a Man, and that is not true.

Originally Posted by cellurdur

Usurping power is wrong, when an authoritative figure has not yet erred. To disagree with his council is fine and it is actually Elrond, who is the one constantly rejecting and arguing against Saruman. That apart Saruman was once great and wise. He was appointed as head of the order by the Valar and the wisest of the Maiar, Gandalf accepted this.

Usurping whose power? The power of someone who was not yet appointed to his position? Being head of the Istari does not automatically make you head of all the councils and whatnot.